Description:Amongst the papers of Millicent Sutherland-Leveson-Gower (1867-1955), the fourth Duchess of Sutherland are letters written to her during the Second World War by RCAF Squadron Leader, Nathan Crawford who was killed in action on January 2nd 1945. A leather framed photograph of a man, presumably Nathan Crawford, in an RCAF uniform accompanies these letters.
The letters in envelopes addressed to Lady Millicent Sutherland were written from the Officer’s Mess of the Royal Air Force Station, Upwood, Huntingdon. They were written during 1944 and suggest that Crawford was a good friend of the Duchess and her granddaughter. The letters provide poignant and moving insights into the experiences of men serving on the front line.
Crawford was a Canadian stationed in Britain. Many letters refer to social occasions, and discuss plays and novels and foreign places visited. Many also describe his thoughts and feelings, and his increasing homesickness for his family.
Nathan Crawford wrote a number of letters to Duchess Millicent in 1944. Read brief accounts of these letters and see full transcripts by clicking on the images on the left.
Letter Dated 26th January 1944
Nathan’s first letter to Duchess Millicent tells her about his arrival at Upwood RAF Station and his first week in England, including meeting her Granddaughter at the Wings Club.
He tells the Duchess that he has sent her a book by Lloyd Douglas called ‘The Robe’
and comments on the book’s religious significance.